I’m Zinking I’m Having A Problem
Several of you have asked about having a problem with turning your Zinc black. Here are a few tips that will probably help.
1. After you have done all your soldering you really need to make sure the window has been washed and neutralized of the flux and oil you used. I use a flux and patina remover called “Glass Pro Flux and Patina Remover” it will stop the mild acid reaction that is happening on your piece. If you leave flux on your window too long you will potentially etch your glass window.
2. Here is where there is some debate by people, I wash the window using a soap called Orvis; it is a soap used by veterinary industry. This soap is very mild with a neutral ph and will not leave a residue on your piece. This kind of make sure nothing is left on your window that will ruin the patina process.
3. When the window is dry place it on your work bench. Take “0000″ steel wool and lightly rub the zinc frame until it is shiny. Wipe and blow off any of the steel wool that may come off.
4. Using Patina for “Zinc” in a small container, I use a small glass cigarette ash tray. Using a small flux brush I paint on the patina. Do not, let me repeat that DO NOT pour the patina you used in the dish back into your original container. That patina is contaminated and will ruin what you have.
5. Now do the same thing with the solder lines using Patina for “Solder”. A big important thing is do not use Zinc Patina on solder and do not use Solder Patina on Zinc. Now that you have everything has patina on it, bring it back to the sink and neutralize and wash it again.
When you are drying the window try not to rub down the zinc as much as pat it dry, that will help. When the window id dry use some wax and polish your window and zinc. This should take care of your problems, I hope.